New Delhi (Web Desk): India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the air force said.
According to Indian media, a military helicopter carrying Indian officials including General Bipin Rawat crashed in Tamil Nadu. However, the reason for the crash was not immediately known.
In a post on Twitter, the Indian Air Force (IAF), also confirmed the news of the crash.
“An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.”
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Indian news agency also ANI tweeted about the crash, saying that there were 14 people on board, including General Rawat, his wife, defence assistant, security commandos and an IAF pilot.
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Bipin Rawat was appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in late 2019. The position was set-up with the aim of integrating India's three services, the army, the navy and the air force.
